Combined high voltage connecting and grounding switch

Abstract

A combined disconnecting and grounding switch for high voltage use. A space-saving arrangement providing for automatic grounding when the switch is in an open circuit position. The disconnecting and grounding switch including a connection contact connectable with a contact having a high voltage potential wherein the contacts are vertically arranged one over the other. The switch also includes a switch rod designed to be vertically displaceable in its longitudinal direction. The switch rod has an upper conductive section and an adjoining lower non-conductive section. The switch rod can be moved up or down by a driving arrangement including a threaded shaft driven by a motor and a traveling nut assembly cooperating with the threaded shaft.

We claim: 
     
       1. A high voltage disconnecting and grounding switch having a support structure and vertical switching movement comprising: a first contact adapted to have a high voltage potential;   a connection contact connectable with the first contact wherein the first contact and the connection contact are arranged on the support structure vertically one above the other; a grounding contact connectable with the connection contact wherein the connection contact and the grounding contact are arranged on the support structure vertically one above the other; and a vertically translatable switch rod movably mounted to the support structure between closed and open circuit positions, the rod including a conductive section and a nonconductive section, wherein the conductive section connects the first contact and the connection contact when the switch is in the closed position and the conductive section connects the connection contact and the grounding contact when the switch is in the open circuit position.   
     
     
       2. The switch of claim 1, further comprising a cable terminal mounted in the support structure including a header and a grounded flange, wherein the connection contact is attached to the header and the grounding contact is attached to the grounded flange. 
     
     
       3. The switch of claim 1 wherein the grounding contact surrounds the switch rod and the switch rod is slidably mounted within the grounding contact. 
     
     
       4. The switch of claim 1 further comprising; a threaded shaft connected to the lower end of the switch rod;   a drive motor mounted to the support structure for rotating the threaded shaft; and   a travelling nut arranged on the threaded shaft, the travelling nut engaging the threaded shaft such that the switch rod translates as the threaded shaft rotates.   
     
     
       5. The switch of claim 4, wherein the drive motor and threaded shaft are arranged in a cable well through which a high voltage cable can pass. 
     
     
       6. The switch of claim 1 further comprising a first shielding member and a second shielding member, wherein the first contact is arranged within the first shielding member and the connection contact is arranged within the second shielding member.